Built different: A team defined by depth
- 19 hours ago
- 6 min read
Casandra Turnbull
Managing Editor
I’m going to take a different approach with this one.
Not as a reporter. Not from the press box. But as a very proud parent trying to put into words what made this Brant Battalion U11B group so special - and why this season is one that won’t soon be forgotten.
Because this wasn’t just a good hockey team.
This was a team built the right way.
The Battalion travelled to Halton Hills this past weekend to compete in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Championships, an accomplishment in itself. Only 12 teams from across the province earn the chance to compete for a red hat, and since the organization formed two years ago, this is the only Brant Battalion team, across all divisions, A and B, to reach that stage.
That alone says something.
But what truly defined this team wasn’t just getting there; it was how they played, and more importantly, who they were.
The tournament didn’t start the way they wanted. A 5-1 loss to St. Thomas might look one-sided on paper, but it didn’t tell the whole story. There were flashes of excitement. Jacoby Bonnell stepped up to take the team’s first-ever penalty shot, while Ben Turnbull turned aside 21 shots with calm, positional play. Levi Blake found the back of the net, and Will Goslin’s defensive effort earned player of the game honours.
If anything, that game lit the fire.
What followed was the kind of response that defines a team.
A 7-3 win over Gananoque showcased exactly what made this group dangerous - not one star, but waves of pressure. Every line contributed. Every player played a role. Bonnell erupted with a hat trick, Henry Glowala scored his first of the season in highlight-reel fashion, and contributions came from Levi Blake, Nash McLaren and Blake Anderson. In net, Mason Monteiro shut the door when needed.
This wasn’t a team leaning on one or two players.
This was a team rolling multiple lines with confidence.
That depth carried into a must-win game against LaSalle with a 5-1 victory that sent them to the quarterfinals. Goals came from across the lineup again: McLaren, Jarome Burke, Nolan Kearsley, Bonnell and Anderson. Austin Meza’s relentless effort earned him player of the game.
The run ended in the quarterfinals against Guelph, but even that game summed up the season. Down early, facing adversity, the Battalion didn’t fold. They pushed back with resilience. They battled. They scored three goals in the third period, with Levi Blake completing a hat trick and Bonnel bringing them within inches of tying the game in the dying seconds.
It wasn’t the ending they wanted. But it was still a season for the books.
Head coach Jon Kristman shared his thoughts following the championship tournament:
“We started out the year as a goal to win Southern Counties top division and go to OMHAs. We achieved that goal and had an amazing experience only losing to the two finalists as we went through the tournament. Our group improved so much through the year and a lot of that came from a willingness to listen and buy into the plan that was set out for them.”
And that improvement — that buy-in — is where this team separated itself.
Because here’s the truth: Some teams rely heavily on their strongest players. This one didn’t. This team’s strength was spread across the entire bench. Every player brought something. Every player mattered. And every player made an impact. That’s what made this group special.
Blake Anderson, the captain, led with quiet determination, skill and sportsmanship. He is the kind of leader every team hopes for. He had the ability to skate through defensive lines, dangling the puck at times and easily finding the back of the net in some of the most unbelievable opportunities, a true example of both skill and leadership.
Jarome Barrett anchored the blue line with strength and confidence, carrying the puck with authority and firing shots from the point that demanded attention. Some parents affectionately named him Bobby Orr for his ability to smoothly coast from end to end.
Levi Blake had a natural instinct for the game, always digging for opportunities to receive the puck and find the back of the net. He consistently put himself in the right position, was quick with his hands, and pulled off some of the most beautiful goals this season.
Jacoby Bonnell combined speed and puck control to become one of the team’s most dangerous offensive threats. He did it with charisma and made it look easy.
Mason Monteiro showed strong determination between the pipes, never missing an opportunity to dive on the puck or poke it away in tight situations. Some of his best performances came in crucial moments, including the Southern Counties semi-final series against Ayr and the championship final.
Ben Turnbull was known for his calm, collected approach in net, Ben was quick with his glove and showed steady improvement in his positioning throughout the second half of the season. He delivered strong performances in key games, including a must-win Game 2 in the Southern Counties Finals and in securing the Guelph Power Play tournament victory.
Gordon Fisher was known for keeping the cherry pickers in check with his keen awareness and commitment to being the first man back. His defensive responsibility became increasingly valuable as the season progressed, and the team faced stronger competition.
Henry Glowala did an excellent job reading plays to intercept passes. He consistently tied up sticks, blocked passing lanes and matched the speed of opposing forwards, making him a reliable and effective presence on the ice all season long.
Will Goslin never gave up on a play, consistently backchecking hard and using his speed to break up dangerous rushes and stop breakaways. He wasn’t afraid to get in front of shots, showing real commitment to the defensive side of the game. Around the net, he was quick to clear the crease and eliminate second-chance opportunities.
Nolan Kearsley moved the puck down the ice with speed and confidence. He showcased high-end offensive skill and strong hockey IQ all season, creating scoring chances that stood out game after game. Whether it was his smooth hands, quick decision-making or ability to find open ice, Nolan consistently made smart plays and scored goals that could easily land on a highlight reel.
Landon Kristman, as one of the team’s younger players, Landon showed tremendous growth over the course of the season. Early in the year, he made a big impact by scoring the game-winning goal in the Guelph Power Play tournament, his first of the season, a moment that helped build his confidence. He continued to develop, learning from his teammates and improving with every game, setting himself up for an even stronger role as a major next season.
Chuck Manikus brought grit, hustle and a willingness to battle in the corners every shift. He wasn’t afraid to do the hard work, digging for loose pucks, taking contact and outworking opponents along the boards. His relentless effort and determination made him a dependable presence on the ice, often creating opportunities through sheer persistence and heart.
Nash McLaren controlled the puck with finesse and confidence, showing the ability to carry it through multiple defenders while maintaining full control. His creativity and vision made him a constant offensive threat, and he had a knack for finding his way to the net and finishing plays. His memorable celebrations became a signature moment that energized both the bench and the crowd.
Austin Meza delivered when it mattered most, combining effort and determination with timely scoring. He had a never-give-up attitude, constantly pursuing the puck and applying pressure on opponents. Whether it was a key goal or a hard-fought shift, Austin stepped up in big moments and proved to be a reliable presence throughout the season.
Jett Rollins took on some of the toughest defensive assignments and consistently delivered, often matched up against the opposing team’s top offensive players. He played a physical, smart game, moved the puck well out of his own end and wasn’t afraid to step into a shot from the point. His steady presence helped anchor the defensive core.
Harrison Rusyn used his speed to disrupt plays and shut down opposing rushes, often intercepting breakout passes before they could develop. From the back end, he also contributed offensively, jumping into plays with confidence, showcasing his puck control and even adding goals throughout the season.
Alex Thoms was quick, smart and always in the right place, Alex developed a real knack for reading the play and positioning himself perfectly around the net. His ability to tip in rebounds became a signature strength, especially against tough opponents, making him a constant threat in high-pressure situations.
You can’t manufacture that kind of balance or fake that kind of chemistry.
This team also captured the Guelph Power Play Tournament earlier in the season defeating the same Gryphons team that would go on to win OMHAs.
That’s not a coincidence. That’s a reflection of what they were capable of when everything came together.
A sincere thank-you goes to coaches Jon Kristman, Levi Blake, Scott Kearsley, Kevin Thoms and Shaun McLaren, all volunteers who gave their time, energy and guidance to help shape not just hockey players, but a team.
At the end of the day, championships are measured in more than wins and losses. They’re measured in growth. In teamwork. In the way players support each other and rise together.
By that standard, this team was a champion long before the final buzzer.
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